Where should we eat in Melbourne CBD?

We’ve lived in Melbourne our whole lives, and over the years, we’ve played tour guide to plenty of international guests. One question we always get? “Where can we go for a nice meal in the city?”

So, we’ve put together a list of our favourite Melbourne spots—perfect for lunch or dinner when you’re looking for something a little bit special ($$) or very special ($$$). These aren’t your everyday go-to’s; they’re the kind of places you hit when you’re celebrating, indulging, or just craving a bougie post-shoot feast.

RESTAURANTS

Chin Chin $$

An iconic Melbourne venue with a well priced set menu starting at $75. Don’t let people tell you it’s “touristy” because it’s bloody good. Order the banana leaf salmon and the sundae - both are next level!

HuTong Dumpling Bar $$

Another Melbourne icon and the place to go if you like dumplings! It can get busy, so book ahead.

Cookie $$

Delicious Thai food! It’s a Melbourne institution and has been around for years! It’s in a multi level building and has a great book store in the same building.

Pinchy’s $$

The best lobster rolls in town, and a great venue with a fun vibe!

Yakimono $$

A Japanese restaurant with a cool/energetic vibe! Staff are super knowledgable and helpful with the menu too.

Bodega Underground $$

Great Mexican! A great spot for a late night feed, and a margarita or two!

Di Stasio Citta $$$

Great, authentic Italian. You feel like you’re stepping into an Art Gallery, as they have projections with films on the walls. The staff are always lots of fun, and I feel like I always have a good laugh when I am there.

Meatmaiden $$$

Smoked meats with a really cool/underground vibe. Great cocktails too!

Movida $$$

Good Spanish food and cool vibe - plus a solid wine list! They have a few locations but we’ve mainly been to Movida Next Door, and we love it. It’s a great one to go to ahead of an event at the MCG!

Maha $$$

Delicious Middle Eastern food. The Baked Turkish beef dumplings are next level.

Gimlet $$$

An all time favourite. It’s the special place we always recommend if you’re looking for a somewhere special to eat. It has an old-world charm that’s unmatched by any other venue in the city. Bookings 3months in advance and always book out - so try to book ahead.

Reine & La Rue $$$

French and fancy! The building is an old bank with a gorgeous heritage feel, with great booths and lots of space.

BARS

Here are two great bars if you're after a drink pre-dinner or drink and a small bite to eat!

Apollo Inn

Same owners as Gimlet but a bar! Great drinks, nibbles and supper with a cool NY vibe.

Mid Air Rooftop

Sits on top of Melb Place Hotel! Great for drinks and food. Have heard their Ice Cream Sundae is also incredible.